Flying Solo Fashion

What does it take to transform a deep cultural heritage into a global luxury brand?In this episode of Flying Solo Fashion Talks, we sit down with Tomoko, founder of Yayoi, a Japanese luxury beauty brand inspired by craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless aesthetics. After building an international career across Japan, Paris, and New York—Tomoko took the leap into entrepreneurship to bring the artistry of Japanese skincare to a global audience.She shares how she built a luxury brand with virtually no advertising budget, the challenges of introducing Japanese beauty to international markets, and how partnerships with prestigious hotels helped establish credibility and demand. We also explore the importance of brand identity, product storytelling, cultural authenticity, and creating products that resonate across continents.Whether you're launching a fashion label, beauty brand, or creative business, this conversation is packed with insights on building a distinctive brand, navigating global expansion, and staying true to your vision while growing internationally.Tune in to hear how Yayoi is redefining Japanese luxury for a new generation of consumers.

Award-winning singer and songwriter Sophie Ellis-Bextor joins the conversation to share how she balances motherhood, music, and creativity—revealing that passion, support, and joy are at the core of it all. She reflects on her love for fashion as a form of transformation, her appreciation for emerging designers and their fearless creativity, and the importance of long-term collaborations behind the scenes. From her iconic lockdown “kitchen disco” performances to her highly visual artistic process, Sophie offers an honest and inspiring perspective on staying playful, intuitive, and authentic. She also shares thoughtful insights on the value of recognizing creative teams—aligning with the mission of the Flying Solo Awards to spotlight both emerging talent and the often unseen contributors shaping the industry.

What actually makes a fashion image work – and why so many don’t?In this episode of Fashion Talks, New York–based photographer Matt Licari and hair artist Eddy Scudo break down how editorial images are created, evaluated, and often fall apart.They talk about the realities of working on unpaid editorials, where the only thing you take away is the image itself – and why that makes every decision on set matter.The conversation covers:– how ideas turn into editorials (even from the simplest starting point)– why strong images don’t depend on budget– the role of the full team behind every shot– how lack of clarity affects the result– why assistants and structure are essential for creativity– what actually makes an image stand out– how professionals review and select workThey also share practical insight from years of experience on set – from managing creative energy to capturing the exact moment that makes an image work.Flying Solo Fashion Talks is a series of conversations with industry professionals who shape how fashion is created and seen.

In this inspiring episode of the Flying Solo Podcast, we sit down with Sherilyne, founder of Designs by Sherilyne, who shares her incredible journey from a successful corporate career in healthcare and federal contracting to becoming a full-time creative entrepreneur. Sherilyne opens up about how a lifelong love of photography and art transformed into a stunning fashion brand that turns her global travel photos into wearable art through sustainable production.She talks about the challenges of transitioning into the fashion world, the importance of quality and sustainability, and how she balances creative passion with smart business decisions. Whether you're a designer, dreamer, or career changer, this episode is packed with real talk, creative insight, and actionable advice for building something beautiful from the ground up.✨ Tune in for a conversation about risk, reinvention, and resilience in the world of independent fashion.

Top stylist and creative director Julia Muller joins host Elizabeth Solomon to share her journey from Amsterdam to New York, working with Vogue, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and more. Julia opens up about the highs and lows of the fashion world, how she discovers emerging designers, and what it really takes to succeed as a stylist today.A must-listen for aspiring creatives, stylists, and designers.

How a scientist built a fashion house and a community: Mona of Monzlapur on co-founding Flying Solo, turning lab images into prints, embracing gender-fluid design, and the DIY runway that put them on the map. Ten years in, reinvention is still the dress code.

Emma, founder of Modern Natured, shares how she grew her brand from waist beads inspired by her Ghanaian heritage to a couture collection at Paris Fashion Week. Featured in Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Forbes, Emma talks about sustainability, versatility in design, and her advice for young creatives on staying inspired, organized, and resilient.

In this episode, we sit down with Holly, founder and CEO of Fundae, the bold, joy-filled footwear brand redefining sustainable fashion. From a 25-year career in media and podcasting to debuting at Paris Fashion Week with Flying Solo, Holly shares how her love of shoes and passion for conscious consumerism sparked a revolution in plant-based, colorful, and truly sustainable design. She takes us behind the scenes of her patented magnetic hardware, Italian-sourced recycled soles, and materials like wine grape leather and cork — proving sustainability doesn’t have to be beige. This is the story of a founder who turned style, innovation, and purpose into a brand built for fun, flair, and a better future.FUNDAE offers 20% off with code FLYINGSOLO20 at https://fundae.com/

In this episode, we sit down with Alejandra, founder and creative director of Made in Neptune, the sculptural leather bag brand based in NYC and handcrafted in Colombia. With a background in architecture, Alejandra blends sacred geometry, bold design, and deep spiritual inspiration to create pieces that are truly out of this world. She shares how her journey—from art-filled New York streets to her family’s 30+ years of leather expertise—led her to launch her first collection right here at Flying Solo. Plus, we get an exclusive peek at her upcoming clutch designs and fall collection.

Ty Hunter is a renowned celebrity stylist celebrated for creating some of the most iconic fashion moments in pop culture. Hailing from Austin, Texas, his journey began in retail, where a chance meeting with Tina Knowles led to his role styling Destiny’s Child and later Beyoncé throughout her solo career. Hunter’s creative vision has been instrumental in shaping Beyoncé’s distinctive style, including memorable looks such as the “Crazy in Love” video ensemble and various Met Gala appearances.Beyond Beyoncé, Hunter has styled many prominent figures, notably serving as Billy Porter’s head stylist. His innovative approach to fashion is complemented by entrepreneurial ventures, including the launch of the Ty-Lite, a selfie-enhancing phone case. In his memoir, Makeover From Within: Lessons in Hardship, Acceptance, and Self-Discovery, Hunter explores his personal journey and shares insights into the resilience that shaped his career.Hunter’s influence extends beyond styling. He is also a motivational voice who emphasizes authenticity and self-expression in fashion. His commitment to uplifting others through style and storytelling continues to inspire many within the industry and beyond.

In this episode, we sit down with Amélie Brick, the visionary co-founder of Apparis, the fashion brand redefining luxury with its bold, cruelty-free designs. Amélie shares her journey from the corporate world to launching Apparis, her commitment to sustainability, and how the brand has become a leader in chic, eco-conscious fashion. Tune in to discover the story behind the iconic faux-fur pieces and what’s next for this trailblazing brand.

FASHION STYLIST • CREATIVE / ART DIRECTOR So much more than a stylist; Altorrin's talent has been utilized by some of the world's leading brands. He has served as a creative consultant for Hermes, Alexander Wang's H&M collaboration launch party, Madonna's Secret Revolution Project and numerous other top tier ventures. Has publications in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, L'Officiel, Schon Magazine and Numero Magazine. Since adding art directing to his list of accomplishments; Altorrin is quietly becoming one of New York's most sought after tastemakers.